Toolwire Talks

Role-based Communication Simulations to Increase Workforce Readiness

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Toolwire |Dec152016

SAN FRANCISCO (April 19, 2016) — With employers nationwide reporting a lack of qualified workers, simulation and game developer, Toolwire, has announced the release of ten new role-based simulations designed to strengthen communication skills and prepare learners for today’s workplace. Several campuses within the largest community college systems in the country—including Maricopa, Miami-Dade, and Lone Star—are currently planning to introduce these simulations into courses this fall.

A recent survey found that 7 out of 10 employers think that recent college graduates are unprepared in written and oral communication. In response to statistics like these, educators are looking for new ways to help students learn and practice essential communication skills.

“Real learning about communication dynamics does not take place in a vacuum, but by interacting and interfacing with others in different contextual situations. These role-based Communication Simulations were designed specifically to simulate real work situations to increase workforce readiness,” said Dr. Younes Mourchid, one of the subject matter experts for this project and a Professor of Communication Studies at California State University, East Bay.

Designed with millennials and busy working adults in mind, these role-based simulations take only 15-20 minutes to complete and incorporate Toolwire’s distinctive live-action video and game-based learning mechanics in order to increase student engagement. In addition to detailed performance analytics, an auto-grading feature supports busy educators by feeding the final score into an instructor’s gradebook.

“Employer surveys continue to find that strong communication skills are among the most sought-after qualities in today’s workplace, but are often missing from the pool of available labor,” said Teddie Laing, Professor and Department Chair of Business at Miami Dade College. “These digital learning assets will give my students the opportunity to develop critical workplace readiness skills by seeing the impact of their words and actions in a professional context.”

“The initial reaction to our new Communication Games has already been immensely positive,” said Toolwire President and CEO, John Valencia. “We are extremely excited to introduce these digital learning tools to educators seeking innovative ways to prepare students in such a critical subject area.”

This Wednesday, April 20th at the ASU GSV Summit in San Diego, California, Toolwire will be demonstrating the Communication Games during the Gaming Exhibit at 10:00 am. In addition, John Valencia will provide a company overview during the 2:00 pm Growth Company Presentation session.

At this same event last year, Toolwire introduced its Writing Games. Based on over 530,000 minutes of use by over 1,000 students last fall, 86% of faculty said that the games added value to their course, according to a recently released Writing Games Research Report.

About Toolwire: Toolwire’s game-based simulations and virtual desktop labs prepare learners with the “soft” and “hard” skills needed for student success and workplace readiness. In order to support faculty and create dynamic learning experiences for students, Toolwire’s products and solutions are built upon a foundational platform of value-added services including 24x7x365 support, LMS integration, and instructor onboarding.